Device for practicing golf



Aug. 15, 1933. c, H, JOHNSON DEVICE FOR PRACTICING GOLF Filed May 20, 1929 C/mr/es 4/0/7050 BY hwmd ATTORNEYS.

IN VEN TOR.

Patented Aug. 15, 1933 DEVICE FOR PRACTICING GOLF Charles H. Johnson, Sacramento, Calif., assignor of one-half to Arthur E. Miller, Sacramento,

Calif.

Application May 20, 1929. Serial No. 364,393

2 Claims. (01. 273 -35) This invention relates to a device for the practice of golf, whereby the player can practice or learn a straight driving stroke, without resorting to the use of balls or golf grounds.

The object of the present invention is to generally improve and simplify the construction and operation of devices of the character described; provide a. golf ball substitute consisting of a target and a base which can be so placed on a floor or ground as to occupy a position similar to that of a golf ball on an ordinary tee; to provide a device of this character which may be struck with great force without causing breakage of windows or surrounding articles; to provide a device which is adapted to be constructed of light sheet metal or the like and which is so shaped that it will not fly far when struck; to provide a device which may be used over and over again before it is discarded; to provide a device or this character which is normally flat so that a considerable number may be carried about; and further to provide a device of this character which is readily bent from a flat to a right angular shape when ready for use, so as to present a base and a target which is readily seen and easily set up.

The device for practicing golf is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the device in its fiat shape,

Fig. 2 shows the device bent at right angles and set up ready for use,

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a modification of the device, Fig. 3 being a planview .and Fig. 4 a side elevation thereof.

Referring to the drawing in detail, particularly Fig. 1, the device consists of two circular sections A and B, which are connected by a central strip 2. The device is stamped out in one operation of thin sheet metal or the like, and it may be painted white or covered with fabric or a like material if desired. It is carried about in the flat shape shown in Fig. 1, but it is bent centrally so that the circular sections assume a position at right angles to each other when it is used. The section B, in that case, forms a base and the section A a target. can be readily set up on the floor or ground, or wherever a person desires to practice and it thus assumes a position similar to that of an ordinary golf ball when placed on a tee. As both the base and the target are of circular formation, it appears as a circular ball when viewed from above, this being a decided advantage, as it makes the device readily seen and permits perfect aiming The device, when bent at right angles,

when practicing straight drives and the like. The

device is always ready for use and can be used indoors, regardless of weather, or limits of space. The device is so light, and it is so shaped that it will not fly far, even when struck with considerable force and there is accordingly no danger of destroying surrounding breakables or windows. If it is set' up on a lawn or grass a small rug or fiat mat may be employed.

When practicing with this device the same position is taken, and the same stroke, both as to swing and force, as on golf grounds and in an actual game, the first thing necessary being to strike the target centrally, and next to give it the right direction.

7 The target A has a tendency to flaten out slightly when struck forcefully but it may be bent back many times to right angular position before it is finally broken off. It may then be discarded, as spare targets may be carried in a flat position in the pockets or otherwise, and they are so cheap that there should be no hesitancy in throwing them away when damaged or broken.

A number of practicing devices of this character have been employed, but as far as I am aware no device has been used which presents two targets, first that indicated at A, and secondly that at Bthat is, the base B also serves as a target when viewed from above. The two targets together give the appearance of a round ball. The shape and weight is also a new feature. That is,

the area presented to wind resistance is so great in comparison with the weight that flight of the device is reduced to a minimum.

I have previously spoken of applying fabric. This may be used if desired, both to give the target the desired color, and secondly to reinforce and strengthen it. A canvas covering may accordingly be used or not, as desired.

Figs. 3 and 4 show a modification of the device. In this instance two circular discs'are employed, as shown at C and D, the disc D forming the base and the disc C the target. The disc D is centrally slotted, as shown at 6, while one edge of the disc C is provided with two, lugs such as shown at 4 and 5. These are inserted through the slot 6, and bent in under the disc D, as shown' at 7, thus connecting the two discs.

The discs normally lie flat, as shown in Fig. 4,

but when the device is to be used disc C is bent upwardly so as to assume the vertical position shown at 8. The advantage of this structure is that when the player is looking down on the device the target or upright disc is in the center of the base, and not at one side, as shown in Fig. 2.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A device for practicing golf which consists of a thin sheet of bendable material having two disc shaped portions each substantially the size of a golf ball, said disc shaped portions being joined at their edges wherebythey'may be bent to a position at right angles to each other in which position either disc will serve as a base to support the other in an upright position for a target to be struck by a club.

CHARLES H. JOHNSON. 

